Three new NAE Fellows and Young Engineers with UT background

The Netherlands Academy of Engineering (NAE) is installing twenty new members: fifteen Fellows and five Young Engineers. Three of the new Fellows and two of the new Young Engineers have a direct link with the University of Twente. Their appointment underlines the influence of the Twente research and innovation ecosystem on technological progress in the Netherlands.

Twente NAE Fellows

Bram Nauta is appointed NAE Fellow for his world-leading work in analogue and RF-CMOS designs. His inventions, such as the Nauta circuit, form the basis of billions of chips worldwide and are at the heart of Twente's strong position in chip design and innovation.

Jorrit Kuipers becomes a Fellow for his innovative contributions to autonomous systems. His research experience at the University of Twente, combined with entrepreneurship at Green Dino and robotTUNER, among others, has led to technology that has an international impact on road safety and autonomous mobility.

Tim Tiek, UT alumnus (Electrical Engineering, 1995–1997), becomes a Fellow for his leadership role in the semiconductor industry and integrated photonics. With Brilliance RGB, he develops laser chips for augmented reality, and previously put Bruco Integrated Circuits on the map as a specialist in high-quality chip technology.

NAE Young Engineers

Merel Boers has been appointed Young Engineer for her groundbreaking work in AI-driven stroke diagnostics. Her PhD research within the Robotics and Mechatronics group at the University of Twente forms the basis for the technology that Nicolab is now implementing in hospitals worldwide. In doing so, she is helping thousands of patients receive faster and more accurate treatment every year. In 2023, Merel Boers received the Van den Kroonenberg Prize from the University Fund Twente.

In 2020, Gabriel Costa completed his master's degree in Industrial Design at the University of Twente. In 2022, he co-founded the UT start-up J58, where he works as Chief Executive Officer and technical manager on inclusive care technology. With the mechanically designed EZER standing wheelchair, he is developing an accessible solution that increases autonomy and dignity in everyday life. He has been named Young Engineer for his work as an advocate for inclusive technology and human dignity in design. In 2023, Gabriel Costa was one of the winners of the UT Challenge.

Netherlands Academy of Engineering Fellows

NAE Fellows have a high profile in the technical disciplines in terms of achieving impact with innovations (such as innovative products, equipment, software, buildings and other physical artefacts) in leading economic sectors, social missions and/or key technologies. The appointments of Bram Nauta, Jorrit Kuipers, Tim Tiek, Merel Boers and Gabriel Costa demonstrate how Twente produces talent that not only excels scientifically, but also makes a social impact.